The Buffalo Bills are reportedly signing unrestricted free-agent defensive lineman Michael Hoecht to a three-year contract. NFL insider Ian Rapoport was first to share the news, reporting that Hoecht’s deal has a maximum value of $24 million, per sources.

Depending on where you get your football news and based on defensive scheme, the 27-year-old Hoecht is variously listed as a defensive tackle, defensive lineman, and even linebacker. With the Bills, Hoecht isn’t likely to play linebacker, though his 6’7”, 267-pound frame makes him an interesting candidate to moonlight in several defensive roles.

A second-round pick of the Ottawa Redblacks during the 2020 CFL Draft, Hoecht instead chose to sign with the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. In four seasons with Los Angeles, Hoecht made 180 tackles (98 solo), 15 tackles for loss, 26 quarterback hits, 13.5 sacks, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles.

His first season in LA, Hoecht was a member of the Rams’ practice squad, and worked his way to the team’s active roster beginning with the 2021 NFL season. It was the 2023 NFL season where Hoecht began making a bigger name for himself, starting every game for LA and totaling 81 tackles (45 solo), seven tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, six sacks, two pass defenses and one forced fumble in 17 games.

(all stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference)

Hoecht is the second former Rams player and second native of Ontario, CA (Oakville) to sign with the Bills in the early stages of 2025 free agency. Earlier on Monday, news broke that Buffalo signed former Rams wide receiver Josh Palmer, who hails from Brampton, Ontario, CA.

How does this signing register with you, Bills Mafia? Sound off in the comments!